YH APR-MAY 2019 | Page 73

Children of five or six years will easily adopt the cross-legged position, which they imitate from the adults around them. They may be able to sit quietly for a few minutes at a time. However, their nervous system has not yet developed sufficiently to handle the rising kundalini, so often the high energy atmosphere of a meditative environment will make them restless. As long as their behavior is not too disturbing, children should be given some leeway in this regard. If they experience a sense of freedom and belonging, this will make them more comfortable as they incorporate meditation into their own lifestyle. If it becomes a source of frustration they will get turned off very quickly and they will not have positive associations with the meditative experience. Most children who are exposed to the meditative atmosphere in their formative years, will appear radiant, light, gentle and refined. It is usually after they reach puberty, and the nervous system has matured sufficiently, that they can start to meditate seriously with other people. By about sixteen years of age, they will be sufficiently mature to meditate at length and by themselves. A child who is born into a family of meditators is living a privileged incarnation, because the parents will likely be sufficiently aware to promote the child's refined nature. Such a child has probably done some spiritual practice in past incarnations, and has specifically chosen this family to further their unfoldment. More and more aware beings are being born in the world. Many are looking for deeper understanding about their existence. In most cases, their families have not provided them with sufficient spiritual support or instruction. Their sensitivity may be misunderstood, their detachment or imagination may be discouraged, and their brilliance may be blunted by instruction that emphasizes a mundane or flat way of looking at life. Teenagers may avoid some of the confusion and distress of their peers if they are taught to look within for their answers. If they are fortunate, they will find a teacher or guide who will channel their vision in a higher direction. Meditation and the Teenager The teenage years are a delicate time when the personality is still forming and the need for acceptance by peers is strong. The teenager often has boundless energy, but the emotional disposition can be sensitive, and the nervous system has not yet developed to its capacity. If someone begins to meditate during this period, the stage is set for a very advanced incarnation. Their energy will be channeled spiritually early in life, and there won't be the same obstacles to opening these channels as there might be in later years. Part of the problem with having a lot of energy is that one tends to take it for granted. Teenagers or young adults will easily blow their energy on late night parties, alcohol, excessive sexual activity and so on. Young nervous systems are usually strong and can handle such abuse. However, if there is a spiritual predilection, there will be sensitivity as well, and such a person will feel discomfort on the soul level. There may be a conflict: to follow the herd mentality of their peers, or to listen to the inner voice which says none of these activities will bring fulfillment. There is a tendency for teenagers to rebel from parental authority. This is a healthy part of their identity formation. Aware parents will give slack to their children but will also impart helpful wisdom. If you can meditate with your teenage child, your bond will transcend the parent-child role, and a deep mutual respect will develop. Meditation is the best "quality time" parents can spend with their children. It is certainly more productive than watching mindless television together. A parent should teach by example. If a child is brought up in a space of gentleness and strength, their nervous system will naturally begin to resonate with these qualities. Teenagers may avoid some of the confusion and distress of their peers if they are taught to look within for their answers. In fact, it has been my experience that other teenagers will admire, respect, and naturally gravitate towards such a centered person. Charles Shahar is a clinical psychologist by training and social researcher by profession. He has lived and studied Vedanta philosophy in India. He has also taught yoga and meditation for over 17 years to diverse groups, focusing specifically on stress management for health care workers. www.lightfigures.com Apr./May 2019 www.yogicherald.com 71